Yieldable panel structure



May 4, 1965 Filed Aug. 16, 1961 YIELDABLE PANEL STRUCTURE A. L. LANGTRY, JR

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent O 3,181,660 YRLIDABLE PANEL STRUCTURE Alfred L. Langtry, Jr., 1130 Parker Ave., Detroit 14, Mich. Filed Aug. 16, 1961, Ser. No. 131,849 Claims. (Cl. 189-34) This invention relates to panels for use as partitions in separating a comparatively large oor area into Smaller areas or spaces enclosed, either partially or completely, by panel units or structures capable of yielding under impact.

It is an object of my invention to provide a panel structure which is of comparatively light weight, simple and inexpensive construction and may be used as a free standing panel, being anchored to the floor only and free of other panels or partitions, `so as to be positionable as desired. Such panel units are well suited for various purposes. A series of units slightly separated from each other simulates a partition or division of oor space while facilitating circulation of air throughout the full floor area, particularly desirable in air conditioning, and reducing any closed in lor claustrophobic effect often present when walls or partitions of full room height are used. The free standing panel units of my invention may in many cases be used in place of floor to ceiling partitions, with the advantages stated and the further advantage of substantial saving in costs. Further, such units may often be used to advantage as independent visual or sound bale walls positioned as required. A further and important object of my invention is the provision of a panel unit which will yield under impact while normally maintaining an upright position, and which presents a neat and attractive appearance. Further objects and advantages of my invention will appear from the detail description.

In the drawings:

FIGURE l is a front view of a panel unit embodying my invention;

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view, on an enlarged scale and partly broken away, taken substantially on line 2 2 of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional View taken substantially on line 3 3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional View taken substantially on line 4 4 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a front view of a modified form of panel unit embodying my invention, with the front panel and the core partly broken away;

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken substantially on line 6 6 of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken substantially on line 7 7 of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is a front View of a second modified orm of panel structure embodying my invention, partly broken away and with the front facing panel omitted; and

FIGURE 9 is a sectional view, on an enlarged scale and partly broken away, taken substantially on line 9 9 of FIGURE 8.

Referring to FIGURES l to 4, inclusive, it may be assumed, for purposes of description, that the panel unit is six feet eight inches high, three feet six inches wide and three inches thick. It may, of course, be of any desired dimensions, within practical limits, but preferably should be of a size such that it can readily be lifted and moved by hand. The unit comprises side channel members 141 having front and back anges 11 and 12, respectively, extending inwardly of the unit and connected by a relatively wide bight or web element 13. The flanges 11 and 12 are approximately one inch in width, the web element is approximately two and three quarter inches wide and the channel members 10 have a height of six feet eight inches, in a unit of the dimensions above stated.

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The channel members 1t) may be formed of any suitable metal which is resilient, preferably aluminum alloy or steel. It may be assumed, for purposes of description, that they are formed of cold rolled steel having a thickness of approximately three thirty-seconds of an inch, it being understood that the thickness may vary to suit requirements. Rectangular front and back facing panels 15 and 16, formed of any suitable material, seat upon and are suitably secured to the outer faces of anges 11 and 12 with their side edges approximately in the planes of the inner faces of web elements 13 of the channel members 1t). The panels 15 and 16, preferably are formed of hard pressed wood libre, such as Masonite and may be secured to ilanges 11 and 12 by bolting or by screws, or bonded thereto by a suitable known adhesive. It may be assumed, for purposes of description, that the panels 15 and 16 are formed of Masonite and are adhesively secured to anges 11 and 12, to which they are additionally secured, adjacent their bottom edges, by sheet metal screws 14.

Each of the channel members 1t) is provided in its web 13 with a rectangular opening 17 approximately four inches high and two and eleven-sixteenths inches wide, with its lower edge spaced approximately nine inches from the lower end of channel member 10. It will be seen that the opening 17 extends substantially the full width of web element 13. The channel members 10 thus each comprise an upper body or main portion and a lower base portion connected by two resilient or spring elements 1S and 19 constituting integral portions of the flanges 11 and 12 plus a narrow strip 2l), approximately one thirtysecond of an inch in width, of the web element 13. The strips 20 do not objectionably interfere with flexing of the spring elements 18 and 19 to accommodate forward and rearward movement of the main or upper portion of the unit under impact and are desirable as imparting slight stiffness thereto. Obviously, the strips 20 may be omitted if desired, particularly when the channel members are formed of steel of increased thickness.

A rectangular steel plate 22 is secured, conveniently by welding 23, as shown more clearly in FIGURE 4, in each channel member 1t) adjacent the lower end of opening 17. Plate 22 is of substantial thickness, approximately one quarter of an inch, and ts snugly within channel member 10, being of greater width than the flanges 11 and 12. Each of the plates 22 is provided with two openings, disposed adjacent iianges 11 and 12. The openings in plates 22 receive the threaded upper ends of two anchor rods 24, of hardened steel, the lower ends of which are threaded into anchors 25, of known type, secured in a known manner in a concrete floor 26 on which the panel unit is mounted. This iloor may, of course, be of any suitable known type and any suitable known means may be provided for anchoring the rods 24. The main or body portion of the panel unit, above the openings 17, is provided with a sound deadening ller or core 27 of grill or egg crate construction formed of intersecting strips of wood or any suitable material and iitting tightly between and adhesively secured to the inner faces of the panels 15 and 16, as is known.

The panel unit, constructed as above, is set up on the floor 26, with the anchor rods 24 threaded into the anchors 25 and extending through the openings in the anchor plates 22. Shims 28 of hard rubber, nylon, Delrin, or any suitable material, are inserted beneath the channel members 10, to guard against the latter cutting into or marring the surface of floor 26 and for trung up the unit. Nuts 29 are screwed onto the upper ends of rods 24 into pressure contact with plates 22 effective for securing the panel unit tightly to oor 26 and effectively precluding movement of the lower or base portion of such unit relative to the oor. I am nuts 31 are then threaded on to the anchor rods 24 in pressure contact with nuts 29 andthe wedges 28 are Athen trimmed off nush with the base of the unit. i

Y Due to the resilient connection between the anchored lower base portion vof `the unit and the upper'body portion thereof, provided by the resilient elements 158 and 19j, the upper or body portion of the unit is capable of movement either forward or rearward under impact. a person bumps into the unit, as might frequently'happen, the upper portion would give lor yield under impact, the elements 18 Aand 19 then 'flexing to accommodate the movement of the upper portion without appreciable distortion thereon. Y such movement of 'the yupper Aport-ion -of ythe unit, it is returned to its normal position by the spring-action or resiliency of the elements 18 Vand 19, effective for normally retaining the upper portion of the panel unit aligned with the fixed lower 4ror baseportion thereof.k The panel unit of FIGURES 1 to 4, inclusive, is thus well 'adapted to withstand, without objectionabledistortion, any bumps or impact normally encountered in use.

Upon release of vthe Vpressure causing When the portion of the panel unit being'subjected to substantial impact or pressure.V The spring washers 37 are elfective, in cooperation with bosses 34, for normally holding` the panels 35 accuratelyk positioned upon the flanges 32 of the channel members 33.

In theevent of the main or body portion of the panel Y Y board core 42 then permitting relative movemenbo'f the upper portion of the panel unit yields under impact, the facing panels and 16, are also ilexed at the areas of Y the resilient' elementsV 18 and 19. The panels 15 and 16 then supplement elements 18 and 19 'in yieldingly resisting displacement of the upper portion jo'frthe panel unit and returning it to normal position, YasY will be understood.` 1 In some cases the conditions of use of the panel units may be such that there isy risk of their being subjected to ratherl violent blows or impact. vIt is desirable, under such conditions, that the main or body portion of the panel unit be capable Vof substantial displacement from its normal position and 'be yieldable to accommodate such displacement without permanent distortion Yfof the unit.` The modified form of panel unit yshown in YFIGURE-'S 5 to 7, inclusive, is well suited for use under the conditions stated. Flanges 32 of channel members 33 -arepr'ovided with suitably spaced and inwardly'extending bosses 34 of spherical curvature in `cross section. Front and back panels 35 of wood, hard pressed wood nbre, o rany suitable material, seat on the louter faces" of flanges 32. Short bolts 36K, prefcrably, but not necessarily, having flat slotted fheads countersunk in panels 35, pass through `openingsin bosses 34 Vand through openings in `spring washers 37 seating on flanges 32 about bossesV 34. The spring washers 37 Yare also of spherical curvature in cross section, vsubstantially conforming to the/bosses 34, andare provided/with radial slots, as shown more clearlyin FIGURE 7, ydefining resilient fingers 3S. The spring washers 37 arel placed under tension by nuts 39 threaded vonto the inner ends of bolts 36. The bolt receiving openings in bosses 34 are of greater diameter than the bolts 36 providing clearance 40 thereabout to accommodate movement of the panels 35, as explained more fully presently, and the bolts 36'have a snug it in the spring washers 37. M

The Vchannel members 33 are provided with openings 17, with the upper main or body portion of the unit joined to the lower base portion by resilient or spring elements 18 and 19 and the base portion anchored to the floor 26 body portion` of the panel unit isprovided with a sound deadening filler or core 42. VThe core v42 is formed of sheets 43 of double faced corrugated paper board` adhesively secured togetherwith theV outer sheets adhesively secured to the inner faces ofthe panels 35. Certain lof the sheets 43 'are disposed with the corrugations or flutes 44 thereof extending horizontally, i.e., transversely of the panels 35, and other sheets '43 are disposed with the flutes 44 extending vertically. The corrugations or flutes 44 of the paperboard areA adhesively secured at their apices to the facing sheets thereof,`in the usual manner.

hold the panels 35 in kalignment while accommodating relative movement thereof incident to the upper or main panels. Temporary and. appreciable distortion vof the body portion of the panel, incident to substantial disr placement thereof from its Vnormal upright position, is v thus accommodated without injury, or permanentV disftortion thereof. Whenfthe pressure or impact lto which the bodyfportion'of the lpanel unit is subjected ceases, itis returned to its normal upright position by the resilient elements 18'and 19 'of vthe'fchrannel -members 33. The

panels 35 are then returnedjto' normal position by the s'pring'washe'rs-37, in cooperation with the bosses 34, supplemented to some extent by the inherent resiliency of the corrugated paper board core 42. While the core 42 possesses some resiliency, with'the advantages stated, its main advantage resides in its abilityV to accommodate distortion of the body portionof the panel withouty resultant permanent distortion, or injury to, thecore. The facing panels 15 and -16 of FIGURES 1- to V4, inclusive, are formed of a suitable material which is resilient to someV extent, preferably appreciably so. Likewise, in FIG- l URES 5 to' 7, inclusive, the facing panels 35 areresilient Yandsupplement the resilient or spring elements 18 and 19;

Y in yieldin'gly resisting displacement of Vthe upper portion of the panel -unit and returning Vit to normal position, in substantially the same manner asin FIGURES Y1 to 4, inclusive* i In the panel unit `of* FIGURES l to 4, inclusive, the

Ytop 'of the unit is provided with a closure and finishing' strip 46. The strip 46 is of channelcrosssection, as shown in FIGURE 2, with lthe flanges thereof directed downwardly and seating on land secured to the inner faces, of the facing Vpanels 15V and 16 by -a suitable known adhesive, or in -any'suitableknown manner. Strip 46 preferably is formed of cold rolled sheet steel of approximately the same thickness as the channel members 10 and has kits web portion rounded outwardly. The strip 46 imparts a neat and nished appearance to the top of the by the plates 22 and rods 24;'as before. VVThe upper `or Y VThe flutes 44 are resilientto some -extentand tend tof.

panel'unit, prevents accumulation of dust or dirt in the top thereof, and also provides aresilient or spring member which yieldingly'resists relative lengthwise movement ofthe facing panels 15 and 16 and assists in returning them to their normal positions upon termination ofy the impact or pressure exerted uponthe body portion of the unit. The panel unit of-FIGURES 5 to 7, inclusive, also preferably is providedwith a top closure strip 46a, in the same manner as in FIGURES 1 to V4, inclusive. The top closure vand finishing strip 46 or 46a is not essential to the panel unit of my invention, though it is preferred, and may be omitted as desired or as conditions may require.

The modified form of panel unit shown in FIGURES 8 and 9 comprises a one piece channel frame 50 of substantially invertedV U-shape. Each ofl the arms 51 of frame 50 is provided, adjacent its lower end, with an opening 17a providing spring elements 18a and 19a, asv before. Facing panels52 seat upon, and are adhesively secured to, anges 53 of arms 51 and the top of frame 50. A filler or core 54 of .foamed polystyrene or any suitable material is disposed between,'and adhesively secured to, the innerv faces of the facing panels 52 above the openings 17a. The core 54 is formed in sections spaced apart vertically, as shown in FIGURE 8, providing between them short areas of panels 52 which are free of core 54 and facilitate flexing of the main or body portion of the panel unit under pressure or impact, such free areas of the panels 52 being resilient to greater or lesser extent, as previously stated.

The base por-tion of the unit of FIGURES 8 and 9 is anchored to floor 26 by means of anchor members 56 of generally inverted U-shape. The anchor members 56 are of such dimensions as to fit snugly within the lower ends of arms 51 of frame member 50, with the bight or web portions 57 thereof disposed adjacent the lower ends of openings 17a. Each of the downwardly extending legs 58 of the respective anchor members 56 is formed to provide an inwardly extending flange 59 integrally attached at its inner end to an outwardly extending foot 60. The ange 59 and foot 60 dene between them an inwardly converging space 61 for reception of a wedge 62 formed of wood or any suitable material. The foot 60 seats upon a shim 63, formed of hard rubber, plastic, or any suitable material, seating upon floor 26. An anchor rod 24a, anchored in ioor 26 as before, extends through the center of bight portion or web 57 of anchor member 56, with a securing nut 29a and a jam nut 31a threaded upon its upper end. The anchor rod 24a also passes through the central portion of a bowed leaf spring 64, of substantial strength, clamped between nut 29a and bight or web portion 57 of anchor member 56. The arms of spring 64 bear against the inner faces of the spring elements 18a and 19a and supplement the latter in normally holding the body portion of the panel unit in upright position while accommodating displacement thereof under pressure or impact, as will be understood. The leaf spring 64, though preferred, is not essential and may be omitted in certain cases if not required.

After the anchor members 56 have been properly positioned and secured to floor 26, the arms 51 of the panel unit are slid downwardly over anchor members 56 to position with their lower ends spaced a short distance above the feet 60. The facing panels 52 and anges 53 are then bored and tapped and the panels 52 and flanges 53 are secured together and to the legs 58 of the anchor members 56 by sheet metal screws 65. Thereafter, the panel unit is trued up by means of the wedges 62, the shims 63 are trimmed off flush with the base of the panel unit, and the nuts 29a and 31a may be .turned up tight on the anchor rods 24a, if required. The base of the panel unit is then anchored to floor 26 and the body portion thereof may yield under pressure or impact, as before. After the panel unit has been trued up and anchored to the floor, a molding or finishing strip 66 is suitably secured about the base thereof to provide a neat and finished appearance. Such finishing strip is not essential to my invention, but is preferred, and may be omitted. The areas of the facing panels 52 between the sections of core 54 facilitate yielding of the body portion of the panel unit under pressure or impact and, in conjunction with the top channel member of frame 50 and the resilient or spring elements 18a and 19a and spring 64, facilitate return thereof to normal position upon termination of such pressure or impact.

The panel unit of the several forms of my invention shown is of comparatively light Weight but of rugged construction, is of attractive appearance and is well suited for use as a free standing panel unit for separating a large oor area into smaller areas analogous to separate relatively small compartments.

As will be understood from the above, changes in detail may be resorted to without departing from the eld and scope of my invention, and I intend Ito include all such variations, as fall within the scope of the appended claims, in this application in which the preferred forms only of my invention have been disclosed.

I claim:

l. In a free standing panel structure, two opposed and substantially vertical channel members respectively having a web element and flanges extending from the sides thereof and respectively comprising an upper portion and a base portion of substantially less height than said upper portion and connected to the latter by resilient elements normally holding said upper portion substantially vertical, two facing panel members seating on and secured to said anges of said channel members and spaced apart by the latter providing therewith a panel unit having an upper body portion above said resilient elements and a lower base portion below said resilient elements connected by the latter -to said body portion, and springs conned under pressure between said resilient elements of the respective channel members, said springs in cooperation with said resilient elements being effective for normally holding said body portion of said panel unit in substantially vertical position while accommodating displacement thereof relative to said base portion under impact.

2. In a free standing panel structure, two opposed and substantially vertical channel members respectively having a web element and anges extending from the sides thereof and respectively comprising an upper portion and a base portion of substantially less height than said upper portion and connected to the latter by resilient elements normally holding said upper portion substantially vertical, two facing panel members seating on and secured to said flanges of said channel members and spaced part by the latter providing therewith a panel unit having an upper body portion above said resilient elements and a lower base portion below said resilient elements and connected by the latter to said body portion, a resilient closure strip of channel cross section having downwardly extending flanges seating on and secured to the upper edge portions of said facing panel members, and springs conned under pressure between said resilient elements of the respective channel members, said springs in cooperation with said resilient elements and said closure strip being effective for normally holding said body portion of said panel unit in substantially vertical position while accommodating displacement thereof relative to said base portion under impact.

3. In a free standing panel structure, two opposed and substantially vertical channel members respectively having a web element and anges extending from the sides thereof and respectively comprising an upper portion and a base portion of substantially less height than said upper portion and connected to the latter by resilient elements normally holding said upper portion substantially vertical, two facing panel members seating on and secured to said flanges of said channel members and spaced apart by the latter providing therewith a panel unit having an upper body portion above said resilient elements and a lower base portion below said resilient elements connected by the latter to said body portion, means for anchoring said base portion to a supporting structure, and bowed leaf springs secured in said base portion in pressure contact with the inner faces of said resilient elements, the latter in cooperation with said springs being effective for normally holding said body portion of said panel unit in substantially vertical position while accommodating displacement thereof relative to said base portion under impact.

4. In a free standing panel structure, two spaced apart and resilient side members, two facing panels spaced apart by and respectively secured to said side members providing therewith a panel unit, said side members having therein openings remote from their upper ends, said panel structure comprising a body portion above said openings and a base portion below said openings, said body portion being of substantially greater height than said base portion, the portions of said side members at the sides of said openings providing resilient elements connecting said body portion to said base portion, and means for anchoring said base portion to a supporting structure and comprising spring means cooperating with said resilient elements for Y'i' normally holding said body portio'n upright While accon= modating displacement of said body portion relative to said base portion under pressu'r. j

5. In 'a'freest'andingpanel structure, two spaced apart and substantially vertical side members, front and back facing panels respectively secured 'to' and Yspaced apart by said side members, said panel structurehaving side open- 5 Y Y Y ings remote from the upper ends of'saidr side members and comprising 'an upper body `portion above said openings and a lower portion', said body` portion Vbeing of substan-V tially Vgreater height thanfsaid'l'ovver portion,` and means connecting said upper b'o'dy portion to` said lower portion Y f comprising' resilient elements atvthe'front and ba'ck sides of said 'openings and spring means-cooperating with said s 8- Y, upright while accommodating displacement thereof relative tosad lower portion under pressure.-

Y References Cited by jthe Examiner .Y UNITED STATESv PATENTS 2/32 Mayer 189- 34 2,040,385 s/se Keuogg 1 sti-144 712,689,987 9/54V Berger r r r A 20-2l V2,732,044 1/56 VMachine. J f r2,881,876 p `4/59 Williams 189-3 2,999,568 9/61. Ludwig et arf 189--34 3,039,569` 6/62 resilient elernents forv normally ldih'g Asaicl body portion 15 EL RZNEK, RCHRD WICOOK'E, Examiners. 

5. IN A FREE STANDING PANEL STRUCTURE, TWO SPACED APART AND SUBSTANTIALLY VERTICAL SIDE MEMBERS, FRONT AND BACK FACING PANELS RESPECTIVELY SECURED TO AND SPACED APART BY SAID SIDE MEMBERS, SAID PANEL STRUCTURE HAVING SIDE OPENINGS REMOTE FROM THE UPPER ENDS OF SAID SIDE MEMBERS AND COMPRISING AN UPPER BODY PORTION ABOVE SAID OPENINGS AND A LOWER PORTION, SAID BODY PORTION BEING OF SUBSTANTIALLY GREATER HEIGHT THAN SAID LOWER PORTION, AND MEANS CONNECTING SAID UPPER BODY PORTION TO SAID LOWER PORTION COMPRISING RESILIENT ELEMENTS AT THE FRONT AND BACK SIDES OF SAID OPENINGS AND SPRING MEANS COOPERATING WITH SAID RESILIENT ELEMENTS FOR NORMALLY HOLDING SAID BODY PORTION UPRIGHT WHILE ACCOMMODATING DISPLACEMENT THEREOF RELATIVE TO SAID LOWER PORTION UNDER PRESSURE. 